Paul Buckle, the Luton Town manager, has left the Conference club with immediate effect for personal reasons, it was announced on Tuesday.

"It is with much regret we announce, by mutual consent, and as a result of genuine personal circumstances unrelated to his tenure as manager of Luton Town Football Club, Paul Buckle has, with immediate effect, parted company with the football club," a statement said.The 42-year-old is a former manager of Torquay United and Bristol Rovers. He took over at Luton in April 2012. Buckle led his team to a famous FA Cup victory over the Premier League side Norwich City last month before they were knocked out in the fifth round by Millwall at Kenilworth Road on Saturday.

"The reasons for Paul's departure are fully understood by the board, who sincerely regret that he is leaving," the club said. "We are fully aware that achieving managerial stability will create the conditions necessary for success on the football pitch." Luton, just outside the Conference promotion play-off positions, were playing at Macclesfield last night. The club statement added: "Paul has built the foundations necessary for Luton Town to achieve the board's desire of returning to the Football League as soon as possible."